2016 cec accomplishments · innovations, california continues to be a global leader in combating...
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Through forward-thinking policy, cutting-edge research, and the promotion of energy innovations, California continues to be a global leader in combating climate change.
With this 2016 California Energy Commission Accomplishments Report, I am pleased to highlight the Energy Commission’s role in the state’s progress and some top achievements.
The Energy Commission took major steps to help consumers save money on their electricity bills. In January, the Energy Commission adopted first-of-its-kind energy standards for the next generation of light bulbs. With these new standards, consumers will save more than $4 billion over the first 13 years. In December, the Energy Commission adopted first-in-the-nation energy efficiency standards for computers and monitors with support from industry, environmentalists, consumer groups and utilities. The standards will ultimately save Californians an estimated $373 million annually.
As the Energy Commission encourages and tracks renewable energy, we know Californians are using energy from more renewable sources. The Energy Commission reported the state received 27 percent of the electricity delivered to retail customers during 2016 from renewable sources. The state is on track to meet its goal of deriving 33 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and 50 percent by 2030.
Californians are also benefiting from the simple act of sharing good ideas. The Energy Commission continued to invest in innovations that need a small kick-start to get to market. We formalized a partnership with the Department of the Navy to install renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies on military bases.
Finally, we are proud of our commitment to diversity by expanding outreach to disadvantaged communities. As part of that effort, we completed a study on ways to reduce barriers preventing people and businesses in low-income areas from adopting clean energy technologies. The Energy Commission is stepping up efforts to reach out to applicants from disadvantaged communities about employment and grant opportunities.
It has been a productive year due to the leadership of our commissioners, our talented and dedicated staff, and our engaged stakeholders. I thank them for their professionalism, hard work and willingness to bring new ideas to bear.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Weisenmiller Chair of the California Energy Commission
The Energy Commission took major steps to help consumers save money ontheir electricity bills.
ChairRobert B. Weisenmiller, Ph.D.
CommissionersKaren Douglas, J.D.Andrew McAllister, Ph.D.David HochschildJanea A. Scott, J.D.
CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION
2016 Integrated Energy Policy Report UpdatePublished this year’s Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR), which is an annual energy policy statement that assesses major energy trends and issues. It addressed the continued need to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and appliances, decarbonize the electricity sector, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.
MOU With Jalisco, MexicoSigned a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the state of Jalisco, Mexico, to cooperate on clean energy policies and programs. The agreement will support cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including energy efficiency, renewable energy development and grid integration, low- and zero-emission vehicles, and clean energy technology.
Clean Power PlanCollaborating with the California Air Resources Board (ARB) and CPUC, the Energy Commission helped develop California’s plan to meet the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas reduction goals for 2030 under the Clean Power Plan technical analysis. It demonstrated that California could meet these goals with California’s suite of aggressive climate programs.
California Climate AssessmentPrepared a suite of studies to identify the climate vulnerabilities of the electricity, natural gas, and petroleum sectors and to develop adaptation measures when needed. The Energy Commission is leading this effort in cooperation with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and energy utilities. With participation from 22 research groups, the studies support California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment that is due to the Governor and Legislature in late 2018. Researchers and policy makers developed foundational climate scenarios that will be used for long-term energy planning in California.
China–California PartnershipLed two California delegation visits to China to support efforts to expand trade and collaborate on combating climate change. The summer trip was to the United States-China Climate-Leaders’ Summit and Power Sector Reforms dialogue, while the fall visit with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development was a trade mission involving clean-tech businesses.
LEADERSHIP ON
CLIMATE CHANGE
165 jurisdictions have joined, representing more than a billion people and $25.7 trillion in combined domestic product.
Organization of National and International Initiatives The Energy Commission organized two major initiatives.
The first was the inaugural Subnational Clean Energy
Ministerial, which highlighted action from states,
provinces, and cities to use cleaner energy and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. The Subnational Clean Energy
Ministerial event was held in conjunction with the seventh
Clean Energy Ministerial, an annual meeting of national
energy ministers and other delegates from 23 member
countries and the European Commission. The second
initiative was the Under 2 Coalition, which California and
Baden-Württemberg, Germany, formed. The coalition is
an international pact among cities, states, and countries
to limit the increase of the global average temperature
to below 2 degrees Celsius. Currently, 165 jurisdictions
have joined, representing more than a billion people and
$25.7 trillion in combined domestic product.
ACHIEVINGENERGY
EFFICIENCYProposition 39 Energy Expenditure PlansApproved requested funding totaling $363 million for 456 energy efficiency projects in the state’s K-12 schools. This funding benefits 2,000 local educational agencies statewide. Commissioners also approved revised guidelines making more energy efficiency and clean energy generation projects eligible for Proposition 39 K-12 funding. Staff developed, deployed, and maintained the Proposition 39 K-12 program Web page, including a publicly searchable database of metrics related to approved projects. Enforced Energy Efficiency Appliance StandardsTested more than 60 electrical and water appliances in our California State University, Sacramento Engineering Energy Efficiency Laboratory resulting in 25 closed case investigations. Seventeen of these closed investigations were settlements with penalties totaling about $2 million for appliances ranging from automotive battery chargers and small battery charger systems used for electric-powered lawn and garden equipment to kitchen faucets and spas.
Energy Conservation Assistance Act LoansApproved 10 Energy Conservation Assistance Act loans and approved 6 low-interest loans and 4 zero-interest loans to cities, counties, transportation districts, and public schools. These projects are authorized as part of the Energy Conservation Assistance Act and will reduce electricity consumption and utility expenses, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
2016 Building Energy Efficiency StandardsUpdated and approved providers, compliance software, and manuals for the 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards well in advance of the January 1, 2017, effective date to allow industry time to prepare for the changes. Launched a new Online Resource Center with educational materials on the 2013 and 2016 Energy Standards. The Energy Commission responded to local building officials by reducing the complexity of compliance documentation through consolidation and automation of information and forms. The Energy Commission also approved local ordinances that are more stringent than the state’s 2016 Energy Standards for three cities.
Existing BuildingsThe Energy Commission released the 2016 Update to the Existing Buildings Energy Efficiency Action Plan of 2015, describing progress on building energy efficiency programs. Developed concepts for a data analytics platform and energy use baselines for existing buildings.
Assembly Bill 802 RegulationsDrafted regulations for energy efficiency benchmarking for commercial and multifamily buildings with more than 50,000 square feet. Benchmarking may encourage building owners to implement energy efficiency measures. Public workshops were held, with adoption expected in 2017.
The new standards are expected to save consumers $373 million a year, after all existing products are replaced by efficient, compliant products.
Adopted computer, monitor, general purpose light-
emitting diode (LED) and small-diameter directional
lamp standards. The first-in-the-nation energy standards
for the next generation of light bulbs is expected to
save consumers more than $4 billion over the first 13
years and conserve enough electricity to power all of
the households in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
Standards for computers and monitors, which were
supported by industry, generally allow manufacturers the
flexibility to choose how to comply. The new standards
are expected to save consumers $373 million a year,
after all existing products are replaced by efficient,
compliant products.
Passed Appliance Efficiency Standards
COLLABORATIVEPARTNERSHIPS
Aliso Canyon Action PlanIdentified measures to reduce reliance on the Aliso Canyon natural gas facility. The Energy Commission, CPUC, California Independent System Operator (California ISO), and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power worked together to assess local energy reliability and develop summer and winter action plans to reduce risks after the facility was closed.
Mapping Changes to Our ClimateDeveloped high-resolution mapping through collaborations with universities, governments, and industry researchers to debut a next-generation tool examining how a changing climate will impact local regions from northern Mexico to southern Canada.
Pacific Coast CollaborativeContinued participation in the Pacific Coast Collaborative, working with regional partners (Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington) to address climate change and establish a forum for leadership and information sharing on issues of concern to Pacific North America.
Energy Conservation During Heat WaveCollaborated with the California Department of General Services and issued a call for action to all managers of state buildings in Southern California to take immediate steps to conserve energy during the summer heat wave.
International DelegationsHosted 44 international delegations from more than 60 countries and six continents to exchange information on climate change, renewable energy, energy efficiency, research and development, and alternative transportation.
California High-Speed Rail AuthorityHelped promote the use of renewable energy, the delivery of zero-net-energy buildings, and incorporation of zero-emission vehicle infrastructures through an MOU with the California High Speed Rail Authority. The High-Speed Rail Authority is committed to powering the rail system with 100 percent renewable energy sources, maximizing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions throughout design and construction, and making energy efficiency a priority in design.
PARTNERSHIPS
The State and the Navy and Marine Corps continue to operate on the cutting edge of technology by pursuing innovative renewable energy initiatives.
MOU with the NavyThe Energy Commission and the Department of the
Navy signed a MOU to help the State and the Navy and
Marine Corps continue to operate on the cutting edge
of technology by pursuing innovative renewable energy
initiatives. The MOU ensures continued collaboration and
information-sharing on energy projects and initiatives.
Recent joint projects between the Department of the Navy
and the Energy Commission include a demonstration of a
waterless cleaning process for Kevlar vests, flame-resistant
garments, and other ballistic gear at Naval Base Ventura
County, Port Hueneme, and the installation of a solar
microgrid system with battery storage to ensure mission
readiness should the commercial power grid fail at Marine
Corps Air Station Miramar.
Helping the Public Released video tutorials for the public to use when participating in Energy Commission meetings. The videos show how to participate in business meetings, how to comment electronically on the Commission’s website, how to submit grant applications through a new online submittal system, and how to engage with the Commission’s Public Adviser.
Outreach ProgramsWorked on informing the most qualified loan and grant applicants and contractors, including, but not limited to, certified women, minority, disabled veteran, and LGBT business enterprises, about workshops, training, and funding opportunities, as mandated under Assembly Bill 865. The Energy Commission has established these programs to reach out and help those underrepresented communities.
Energy Commission’s Communications Plan Tackled barriers to program participation and education for consumers by expanding the range of communications channels used and through translating materials in other languages. Communications methods used included webinars, public workshops, conference presentations, list distributed announcements, phone calls, mail, news releases, blog posts, and social media.
Diversity Working GroupLed by the Public Adviser’s Office, the Diversity Working Group continued formalizing efforts to maximize opportunities for diverse communities to participate in and benefit from Energy Commission program and activities. In February, the Energy Commission launched the new diversity home page, creating a central location for information on diversity legislation, funding opportunities, events and activities. The working group also sponsored the Energy Commission’s first EmPower California workshop where more than 130 participants from across California learned about Energy Commission grant and loan programs and how to apply. The group held its first Diversity Career Fair in April, giving Sacramento area residents the chance to learn about employment opportunities at the agency.
COMMITMENT TODIVERSITY
The report recommended the establishment of a new task force to coordinate all state agencies administering energy, water, and housing programs for low-income customers and disadvantaged communities to enhance collaboration.
SB 350 Barriers ReportThe Energy Commission adopted a study on the
barriers low-income individuals face when considering
energy efficiency and renewable energy. The report
recommended the establishment of a new task
force to coordinate all state agencies administering
energy, water, and housing programs for low-income
customers and disadvantaged communities to enhance
collaboration. The study provided potential solutions and
recommendations such as expanding solar opportunities
for low-income customers and communities, making
energy efficiency and onsite renewable energy tax
credits a higher priority for low-income affordable
housing rehabilitation projects, and setting up regional
one-stop shops to help building owners, tenants, and
small businesses in low-income and disadvantaged
communities install clean energy upgrades.
TRANSFORMINGTRANSPORTATION
Draft 2017-18 Investment PlanReleased the draft 2017-18 Investment Plan Update for the Alternative and Renewable Fuels and Vehicle Technology Program, which invests up to $100 million annually in a broad portfolio of advanced technologies to reduce greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant emissions from transportation. As of December 2016, roughly $635 million has been invested in more than 549 projects.
California Clean Air AwardsReceived the 2016 California Clean Air Awards from the Coalition for Clean Air in honor of Commissioner Janea A. Scott as one of the “Queens of EV” for her work overseeing the Energy Commission’s effort to expand the use of electric vehicles.
BiofuelsAwarded about $25 million and leveraged an additional $64 million in match funding for five biofuel production plants. These facilities, which are operational, are producing more than 30 million gallons per year of low-carbon diesel and natural gas substitutes and are selling fuel in California for commercial use. The projects help the Energy Commission’s goal to build the capacity of California companies to produce economically competitive biofuels from waste-based and renewable feedstock. Doing so will help reduce petroleum imports from foreign countries and other states.
Funding Fast Charger CorridorsIssued funding opportunities to deploy fast charger corridors to reduce the existing gaps for electric vehicle drivers. In April, the Energy Commission approved $9 million in grants to install 61 direct current (DC) fast chargers and 42 Level 2 chargers at 41 sites on nine north-south corridors. In December, the Energy Commission awarded $11 million in funds to install 130 DC fast chargers and 87 Level 2 chargers at 79 sites on 15 east-west corridors.
California Sustainable Freight Action PlanHelped develop the California Sustainable Freight Action Plan. This action plan charts a direction for transforming the state’s multibillion-dollar freight movement system into one that is environmentally cleaner, more efficient, and more economically competitive than it is today. California is the nation’s largest gateway for international trade and domestic commerce supporting the world’s fifth largest economy.
Funding Advanced Technology Vehicle Demonstration ProjectsAwarded more than $11 million for two medium- and heavy-duty advanced vehicle demonstration projects, including intelligent transportation systems at the Port of San Diego and the Port of Los Angeles. The field demonstration projects will enhance market acceptance and assist in commercializing clean vehicle technologies being used for the freight movement system at California seaports.
The transition to ZEVs will help California meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals, improve air quality, and reduce petroleum dependence.
The Energy Commission is investing in hydrogen
refueling stations to help pave the way for a zero-
emission transportation future. To date, 48 hydrogen
refueling stations have been funded, with 25 open as
of December 2016. Transportation is responsible for 37
percent of California’s greenhouse gas emissions, which
is why Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. has set a goal of
getting 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the
road by 2025. The transition to ZEVs will help California
meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals, improve air
quality, and reduce petroleum dependence.
New Hydrogen Refueling Stations
State Leadership in Clean Energy AwardReceived the 2016 State Leadership in Clean Energy Award for the New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP), which aims to help developers install solar on new homes by 2020. The Clean Energy States Alliance, a nonprofit coalition of public agencies, honored the NSHP program for accelerating the adoption of clean energy technologies and strengthening clean energy markets.
Senate Bill 32Initiated a roadmap to generate half of the state’s electricity from renewables. SB 32 established the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. Developed regulations and infrastructure for a new benchmarking program mandated by Assembly Bill 802.
Renewables Target of 50 PercentExceeded halfway mark to 50 percent renewable goal. The Energy Commission’s latest tracking report released in the fall estimates that 27 percent of electricity retail sales came from renewable energy in California, putting the state on track to meeting its target of 33 percent renewables by 2020.
Renewable Energy Capacity Continues to GrowReducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy led California to more than triple its renewable energy capacity between 2001 and 2016. Renewable energy capacity went from 6,800 megawatts (MW) in 2001 to 23,600 MW (including small, self-generation such as rooftop solar) as of October 31, 2016.
New Solar Homes PartnershipDramatically increased solar installation on new residential buildings by providing financial incentives and other support through the Energy Commission’s NSHP program. As of November 2016, participating developers installed a total of 17 MW of solar capacity on new California homes in 2016, with more than 1.5 MW installed on new affordable housing.
Geothermal Resources DevelopmentSupported geothermal energy resource development by issuing nearly $5 million in grant solicitations for local jurisdictions and for-profit companies to develop geothermal energy resources in California. To date, the Energy Commission’s Geothermal Grant and Loan Program has provided $74 million for 184 projects since 1981.
Renewable Energy Project TrackingTracking the status of the renewable energy projects that received environmental permits in California, including those outside the Energy Commission’s jurisdiction. Nearly 9,800 MW of renewable generation capacity has been permitted throughout California that could come on-line in the near future. About 3,200 MW of the permitted projects have also secured power purchase agreements. Of the 1,720 MW of permitted projects with contracts, 920 MW are expected to come on-line by the end of next year.
DEVELOPINGRENEWABLE
ENERGY
The Department of the Interior finalized the first phase of the DRECP, capping an intensive eight-year effort with the goal of identifying areas for large-scale renewable energy development within 10.8 million acres of public land in the Southern California Desert.
Desert Renewable Energy Conservation PlanThe Energy Commission developed planning assumptions for
the multiagency Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan
(DRECP). Energy Commissioner Karen Douglas and other
Energy Commission staff were instrumental in key outreach
to stakeholders in Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside,
San Bernardino and San Diego Counties, all of which
have land within the DRECP area. The plan also identified
more than 5 million acres of conservation land, as well as
recreation areas. The second phase of the plan seeks to
identify renewable energy development on private land, with
the Energy Commission as the lead agency in the process. In
September, the Department of the Interior finalized the first
phase of the DRECP, capping an intensive eight-year effort
with the goal of identifying areas for large-scale renewable
energy development within 10.8 million acres of public land
in the Southern California desert. In addition, the Renewable
Energy Action Team, led by the Energy Commission and
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, released
the California Desert Biological Conservation Framework.
The framework provides the foundation for regional energy
planning on private lands in the DRECP planning area.
SitingReviewed eight natural gas-fired power-plant projects to identify any potential environmental impacts and ensure meaningful public involvement. If approved, these projects will provide an additional 3,800 MW of electricity to Californians.
Compliance Monitored the environmental and regulatory compliance of more than 116 jurisdictional operating power plants located throughout California. Staff also oversaw the construction and regulatory compliance of more than 1,700 MW at three natural gas-fired plants and a 485 MW solar photovoltaic power plant, and the rebuild of nearly 150 MW of geothermal generation at a complex heavily damaged by a drought-related wildfire. Compliance issues have included glint and glare complaints, avian interactions, alternatives to drought-impaired water systems, the unearthing of cultural resources, and impaired fire protection systems. The Energy Commission also reached a settlement with the owners of the Abengoa power plant after staff investigated the extended loss of the fire suppression system.
POWER PLANTSEVALUATING
Geysers Geothermal Power ComplexLed construction oversight after a 2015 wildfire caused more than $100 million in damage and destroyed four of the six cooling towers at the geothermal power facility. A little more than a year later, output at the Geysers complex has returned to normal.
Environmental Performance ReportReleased the Electricity Environmental Performance Report (EPR) as part of the IEPR. The EPR highlights how California’s greenhouse gas policies, in conjunction with related energy policies, have significantly changed the state’s energy resource mix and the electricity system currently in use. This electricity system assessment provides an analytical basis for policy options that may be incorporated into future infrastructure development decisions.
San Joaquin Valley Least-Conflict Solar ProjectWorked with the Conservation Biology Institute and partner state agencies to help identify more than 430, 000 acres of landscape most appropriate for solar photovoltaic (PV) development in the San Joaquin Valley and analyzed the transmission capacity available to bring PV generation onto the existing grid. The project was sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research with support from solar industry representatives and developers, agricultural and rangeland interests and environmental nonprofit organizations.
POWER PLANTS
Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative 2.0The Energy Commission and partner agencies
launched the Renewable Energy Transmission
Initiative 2.0 (RETI 2.0) to identify the constraints
and opportunities for new transmission needed to
access additional renewable resources. The Energy
Commission, the California Natural Resources
Agency, CPUC, California ISO, and U.S. Bureau of
Land Management hosted a planning meeting about
critical transmission needs as the State incorporates
more renewable energy to drive down greenhouse gas
emissions and meet California’s renewable energy
goals. Meeting California’s renewable energy and
greenhouse gas emission goals may necessitate the
expansion of electricity transmission infrastructure
to access new renewable power sources, both within
and outside the state, according to a draft report
released in December.
The Energy Commission and partner agencies launched the Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI 2.0) to identify the constraints and opportunities for new transmission needed to access additional renewable resources.
Energy Innovation ShowcaseLaunched the Energy Innovation Showcase website to provide information on research and development projects funded through EPIC. The site provides key insights into EPIC projects, lists the award recipients and funding amounts, and explains how projects benefit ratepayers.
Reducing Air Pollution With Natural Gas VehiclesCompleted work on the development of a 9-liter advanced near-zero natural gas engine suitable for heavy-duty vehicles such as refuse trucks and transit buses. This natural gas engine is the first to be certified at ARB’s optional low-nitrogen oxide emission standards at 90% below current levels. It is the first addition to a portfolio of vehicle technology research targeted at reducing air pollutants to near-zero levels and reducing carbon emissions from the heavy-duty transportation sector. Initial response to this engine offering has been strong, with several agencies upgrading their existing fleets including Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus fleet and LA Metro.
Bioenergy Demonstrations to Reduce Fire RiskSupported technology demonstrations to convert forest and woody biomass to energy. These projects will use dead trees from areas that have been stricken by bark beetle infestation. If successful, the projects will yield nearly 8,500 megawatt-hours of electricity annually.
Water Savings GrantsApproved more than $22 million in grants and contracts to promote innovative technologies and strategies that save water and energy or help optimize current water infrastructure. These projects included reducing the energy intensity of treatment processes while increasing water supplies, developing more efficient agricultural practices, researching, innovative leak detection technologies, and improving hydropower and hydrologic models.
EPIC ChallengeLaunched the EPIC Challenge, a two-phased competition that challenges teams to conceptualize and build advanced energy communities. For the first phase of competition, 13 projects, including some in the state’s more disadvantaged communities, were selected. Project teams are comprised of building developers, local governments, technology developers, researchers, utilities, and other partners.
Energy Innovation EcosystemLaunched the California Energy Innovation Ecosystem to create a coordinated statewide infrastructure to guide and support California’s clean energy entrepreneurs. The ecosystem includes the California Sustainable Energy Entrepreneur Development Initiative, which provides seed funding for new energy inventions and the four regional energy innovation clusters that will coordinate and provide key services and resources to help clean energy entrepreneurs succeed.
INVESTING INENERGY
INNOVATION
More than 100 projects totaling $227 million were awarded through the Electric Program Interest Charge (EPIC) and Natural Gas Research Programs in 2016.
Research and DevelopmentThe Energy Commission continued to play a critical role
in building California’s 21st Century energy systems by
moving new energy inventions from the laboratory to the
market. More than 100 projects totaling $227 million
were awarded through the Electric Program Interest
Charge (EPIC) and Natural Gas Research Programs in
2016. These programs push cutting-edge research and
technologies that help achieve California’s energy goals
while maximizing economic and environmental benefits
to ratepayers. In December, more than 500 people
attended the second annual EPIC symposium, which
showcased a variety of EPIC projects. Featured panelists
from EPIC-funded projects discussed topics ranging from
zero-net-energy buildings, creating advanced energy
communities, advanced power system technology and
automation, and enabling distributed energy
resource growth.
INNOVATION
energy.ca.gov